Agricultural and Biological Research

Screening of different fungicides against Alternaria leaf blight of mustard (Brassica juncia (L)) incited by Alternaria brassicae

Vikash Kumar*

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea (L). Czern and Cross) is the primary oilseed crop grown during the rabi season in India. It is vulnerable to frost, cold, and drought, it is sown early to avoid frost damage and harvested before the advent of frost. The crop is renowned for its high-quality oil and numerous by-products, contributing significantly to its value in both agricultural and industrial sectors. It is a major source of edible oil, contributing substantially to the country's oilseed production. Due to their rich nutritional content, these leaf and root crops are commonly cultivated as nutritious fodder for sheep and cattle. The oil content in Indian mustard seeds ranges from 38% to 46%, with the meal or oil cake making up nearly 50% of the entire seed. Following soybean, mustard constitutes approximately one-third of India's total oil production, solidifying its position as the nation's most significant edible oilseed crop. The cultivation of Indian mustard is challenged by factors such as pest and disease pressure. Over many diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, phytoplasma and nematodes have been identified as affecting the rapeseed-mustard group of oilseed crops in India. Among these biotic stresses, Alternaria leaf blight, caused by Alternaria brassicae (Berk.) Sacc., is particularly destructive, capable of causing significant yield losses in a short period. In this experiment, a total of six fungicides were tested for their effectiveness in managing Alternaria leaf blight disease. Result showed that all the fungicides were found significantly superior over control in controlling the disease. However, maximum disease control (73.82%) was recorded by trifloxystrobin 25%+tebuconazole 50% at 0.2% concentration. It was followed by Tebuconazole 25.9% EC (63.78%), Hexaconazole 5% EC (57.59%) and Propiconazole 25% EC (55.44%). Maximum pod yield was recorded by one spray of trifloxystrobin 25%+tebuconazole 50% WG 1523.33 kg ha^-1 followed by tebuconazole 25.9% EC 1463.67 kg ha^-1 and Hexaconazole 5% EC 1350.00 kg ha^-1.